1892-1973

Each volume provides discussions of the literary and historical background of novels from various cultures and time periods. Includes concise synopses of plot, characters and themes, a brief author biography, discussion of the story's cultural and historical significance, and excerpted criticism.

Each volume provides discussions of the literary and historical background of novels from various cultures and time periods. Includes concise synopses of plot, characters and themes, a brief author biography, discussion of the story's cultural and historical significance, and excerpted criticism.

Each volume provides discussions of the literary and historical background of novels from various cultures and time periods. Includes concise synopses of plot, characters and themes, a brief author biography, discussion of the story's cultural and historical significance, and excerpted criticism.

Frodo the Hobbit and his friends fight to save Middle-Earth from the Dark Power.

A critical analysis of Buck's principal novels written during her last decade beginning with "The Living Reed.".

Provides in-depth analysis of the life, works, career, and critical importance of J. R. R. Tolkien.

Provides in-depth analysis of the literary work The Hobbit, as well as its importance and critical reception. Includes a chronology of the life and works of the author.

"The Mythmakers is the illustrated story of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien and how each came to write their masterworks-neither story can be told without including the other, they are so intertwined. Through narrative and comic panels, the book chronicles their near-idyllic childhoods, then moves on to both men's horrific tour of the trenches of WWI to their first meeting at Oxford in 1929, and then the foreshadowing, action, and aftermath of WWII. This nonfiction graphic novel follows the shared story of their friendship and creative fellowship, in all its ups and downs, that gave them confidence to venture beyond academic concerns (fantasy wasn't scholarly writing but considered the domain of children), shaped major story/theme ideas, and shifted their ideas about the potential of mythology and faith. The book also shows the camaraderie and the importance of the social/literary circle of friends called the Inklings, and how the friendship of these two great men fell apart and came together again. Hendrix concludes describing how the writings of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien had re-enchanted the 20th century, after two World Wars. In writing aimed at scholars, adults, and young people, these two tweedy academics altered the course of storytelling and embraced the concept that fantasy writing for an adult audience was an accepted form of literature. The format is similar to The Faithful Spy, prose interspersed with images and narrative comics. The narration is often conversations between a knowledgeable wizard and a comical lion. Through brisk conversation between these two friends, they explain some of the bigger ideas in an approachable and entertaining way. Throughout the story, there are "gateways" that lead readers to the back matter where certain themes, such as how myth/fantasy evolved or the art of world-building, are discussed more fully. This device keeps the main story flowing quickly and smoothly for those readers not interested in the more academic ideas behind the narrative. Among the ideas covered in the narrative and back matter: - Tolkien's world building - The "Theology of Creation" linking their faith to their writings - The meaning of real friendship - Notions of modernity and mythology - The value of fantasy - The power of a creative community - An exploration of the different kinds of storytelling in Narnia and The Lord of the Rings, both relying on "The Myth" as a story-telling device, but differing in the use of allegory vs. symbolism - The creative differences of Lewis and Tolkien: the high standards of Tolkien's fiction and the faster and more immediate approach of Lewis's - Logos vs. Mythos: Lewis created from images, Tolkien created from language - The mixing of mythologies Also included are an author's note, endnotes, bibliography and index"--Provided by publisher.

Felix tries to impress his crush Lily, who was adopted from China, by trying to take her back in time to learn about her native country, but when his twin Maisie catches him, the it is only the twins who are transported to a small village on the Yangtze River during the time just before the Boxer Rebellion, where they are chased by bandits and must flee to Shanghai.

"A visual celebration of the vast lands, epic battles, formidable beasts, heroes, peoples, and armies of Tolkien's world. Tolkien's works have inspired artists for generations and have given rise to myriad interpretations of the rich and magical worlds he created . . . gathers together artworks, essays, and commentaries from illustrators, painters, and etchers, and fascinating and scholarly writing from renowned Tolkien expert David Day, and is a reference guide for any fan of Tolkien's work and the imaginative brilliance his vision inspired"--From publisher's description.